Australian Landscapes:

An Introduction

The Australian Continent

Australia occupies an area of 7.7 million square kilometres.

Australia is the smallest continent, commonly called the “island continent”.

Australia is the 6th largest country in the world.

Consists of the Australian mainland, Tasmania and several smaller islands.

Australia’s coastline (including Tas.) is 36 73 km long.

The Australian continent lies:

Between the latitudes of 10° 41’S (Cape York, Qld) and 43° 39’S (South-East Cape, Tas.).

Between longitude 113° 10’E (Steep Point, WA) and 153°E (Cape Byron, NSW). South Point (Vic.) is the most south point of the mainland.

The distance between Cape York and South Point is 3 180 km.

Tasmania is separated from the mainland by Bass Straits.

Cape York to South East Cape = 3 680 kms.

Steep Point to Cape Byron = 4 000 kms.

PNG is Australia’s nearest neighbour. It is 140 kms north of Cape York.

Average altitude of Australia is about 300 m above sea level.

Highest point is Mount Kosciusko (2 228 m above sea level) in NSW.

Lowest point of the continent is found at Lake Eyre in SA it is 15 m below sea level.

PLUS

MINUS

AUSTRALIA’S SIZE

ADVANTAGES:

Diversity of natural and climates systems. Diversity of natural resources.

Diversity of human activities.

Diversity of plants and animals.Low population Density, 2.5 people per square km.

DISADVANTAGES:

Isolation and distance from the rest of the world.Costs of transporting and supplying goods

Defence of the Australian coastline is difficult.

Surveillance of the Australian coastline is expensive and difficult.

Differences in time zones from East to West.

1. Ten Largest Countries of the World

Country Area (‘000 kms²)

1. Russia 17,0752. Canada 9 9763. China 9 5904. USA 9 3635. Brazil 8 5126. Australia 7 6827. India 3 2888. Argentina 2,7669. Kazakhstan 2,71710. Sudan 2,505

2. Ten Most Populated Countries.

Country Millions

1. China 1,3302. India 1,1793. USA 3094. Indonesia 2305. Brazil 1926. Pakistan 1697. Bangladesh 1628. Nigeria 1549. Russia 14110. Mexico 107**. Australia 22

Learning Activities: Australian Landscapes

1. Identify and list “Five Fast Facts: Australia”.

2. Using graph paper graph out (in column graph form) Charts 1 and 2.

3. Using graph paper and an atlas complete a scaled map of Australia and identify its:• North, south, east and western most points;• Distances between theses points; • Position with regard to latitude and longitude; • Identify and shade each Australian state/territory;

and• Bass Strait, Torres Straits.

Extension Activities: Australian Landscapes

4. Write a paragraph outlining EITHER the advantages or disadvantages of Australia’s physical size.

5. Write a paragraph that describes the main features of Australia in terms of;• Physical size;• Elevation; • Population density; and• Compares its size and population with other

nations.